Multi-car accident began with blown tire

Montville - State police in Montville said a chain reaction, multi-car accident that shut down Interstate 395 south Friday morning in the area of Exit 79 was caused by a blown tire.

Police said Sylvia Feliciano, 40, of 444 E. Main St., Norwich, was driving a 2001 Buick Century when she stopped in the left lane after her tire blew out, causing a five-car collision. The accident was reported at 9:36 a.m.

Sejalben Patel, 33, of 39 Cliff St., one of the drivers involved in the crash, was taken to the William W. Backus Hospital for neck and back pain.

Police said about 20 minutes after the initial accident Jeffrey Hill, 57, of Baltic was trying to avoid the accident when he struck another car from behind. Police cited Hill with driving without a license and gave him a verbal warning for driving too closely.

No other injuries were reported in the accidents. Police said charges are pending.